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Name and meaning. Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars known to Western astronomers as the Pleiades in the constellation Taurus. Matariki is a shortened version of Ngā mata o te ariki o Tāwhirimātea, "the eyes of the god Tāwhirimātea". [1]
- Matariki. The name Matariki refers to both the star cluster as a whole and a specific star, which signifies reflection, hope, our connection to the environment and the health and wellbeing of people.
- Pōhutukawa. Pōhutukawa is the star that serves as a reminder of those who have passed on, encouraging us to take the time to remember them and acknowledge their impact on our lives.
- Tupuānuku. Tupuānuku (“tupu” means ‘to grow’ and “nuku” is the shortened version of “Papatūānuku” meaning ‘Earth’) is the star connected with everything that grows in the ground to be harvested or gathered for food.
- Tupuārangi. Tupuārangi is the star associated with food sources that come from the sky, such as birds, or fruit and berries from trees.
Learn about Matariki, the star cluster that signals the start of the Māori year. Discover its origins, meanings, traditions and modern celebrations in this comprehensive story from Te Ara, the Encyclopedia of New Zealand.
Learn about the history, significance, and celebration of Matariki, the Māori New Year, in New Zealand. Find events, activities, recipes, and resources to honor the past, celebrate the future, and connect with Māori culture.
Learn about Matariki, the star cluster that marks the start of the Māori New Year in New Zealand. Find out the significance, history, celebration and how to spot the stars of Matariki.
Matariki is the star cluster most commonly known across the world as Pleiades. This cluster is part of a larger constellation of stars called Taurus. It is one of the earliest recorded groups of stars in human history, with a record that dates back some 17,000 years.
Ngā whetū o Matariki The stars of Matariki. There are over 500 stars in the Matariki cluster – but only a handful are visible without the use of a telescope. Each of the stars has their own unique characteristics that Māori acknowledge and honour. Meet the stars below!
